ISSN 2398-4082 (online)
The Journal of Urban Design and Mental Health is a new open-access, peer-reviewed online journal exploring the links between urban design and mental health. This journal aims to share interesting ideas and evidence-based practical recommendations across the disciplines to inspire research where there are gaps, to bring new perspectives, and to help drive implementation of good ideas on the ground. Academics of all disciplines, as well as architects, urban planners, geographers, engineers, developers and people working in any other relevant disciplines are invited to contribute.
CALL FOR PAPERS for Edition 8

​Deadline: 30th November 2021
Feel free to email to discuss first, or simply send your paper to: editor@urbandesignmentalhealth.com.

While we welcome papers on any relevant urban design and mental health topic, one theme of Edition 8 will be the global south. Papers on this topic are particularly welcome.  
What does the Journal of Urban Design and Mental Health publish?

We publish original research papers, research summaries, analysis, editorials/op-eds, and case studies with a specific focus on the links between urban design and mental health. We are particularly interested in research with clear practical applications, and interesting ideas and case studies.
Formats for submission

All types of submission
  • We value clear, succinct writing that avoids specialist jargon and is accessible to people who work in a wide range of disciplines.
  • Please submit a MS Word file.
  • Please include a front page including:
    • proposed title
    • full names and affiliations of all authors
    • corresponding email address 
    • Twitter details for authors to facilitate discussion of your paper on social media
  • All submissions should be fully referenced as appropriate with bracketed numbers throughout the text with references in APA format.
  • Please include at least one relevant photograph, illustration, or other graphic (with description and any attributions). 
  • If ethics approval is relevant, details should be included.
  • Please declare any funding and conflicts of interest.
  • Please avoid specialist jargon to ensure that the papers are accessible to all.
  • Currently this journal is published in English only, though we want to publish papers from a wide range of countries; if English is not your first language, please submit as best you can and we will help with editing.

Research papers
  • Up to 4,000 words (excluding references), with a specific focus on the links between urban design and mental health.
  • Please include the following sections:
    • Abstract (200 words)
    • Summary of practical implications for those working in urban design and mental health (under 80 words)
    • Introduction
    • Methods
    • Results
    • Discussion
    • References

​City case studies - conduct an assessment of a selected city's approach to urban design for mental health
  • 2,500 - 6,000 words
  • Select a city and use our research protocol to summarise the rationale, principles and prioritisation of urban design for mental health in your city of choice. Identify particular approaches your city takes, and extract opportunities for your city, plus any lessons for other cities.
  • To proceed, view City Case Study Methods and Protocol.

Research summaries and Reviews
  • Up to 4,000 words (excluding references) with a specific aspect of the links between urban design and mental health.
  • No specific format required, but please include a short Summary of Practical Implications for those working in urban design/mental health.

Analysis and Op-eds
  • 1,200-2,000 words.
  • Please write in essay style, focusing on a specific topic pertaining to an aspect of urban design and mental health.

Project case studies - urban projects designed with an intention of promoting mental health
  • Up to 1,200 words.
  • Please use whatever format works best for the project you are describing. Please focus on the relevance of the project for mental health, including the ideas behind the project and any feedback.
  • Please include photographs with appropriate attributions.

​There are no charges for publishing. Authors retain copyright and publishing rights without restrictions and grant the journal right of first publication under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) License.

SUBMISSION

Please submit as a MS Word document by email to editor@urbandesignmentalhealth.com. If you would like to discuss your planned piece prior to writing/submitting, please email to the same address. 

Please include a completed conflicts of interest disclosure form

For further information about preparing a paper for submission, please see the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) guidelines.

GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR PAPER

Once published, we will of course promote your paper on our platforms. But there are extra things you can do to get the most from it, such as:
  • Sharing it on your own social media platforms
  • Sharing it with your institution and/or professional colleagues, and having them promote it
  • Sharing it with planners, policymakers and other decisionmakers relevant to the location/topic of your paper
  • Sharing a summary of your findings with media relevant to the location/topic of your paper
  • Talking about it at conferences, on blogs, podcasts, and other such opportunities
  • Writing op-eds based on your paper, and linking to it